Ask yourself why FSG made the statement? What really was the point? They'd already turned down the offers, why the grandstanding and a "public" statement?
IMHO they knew full well Phil wanted out, knew full well he'd put a transfer request in if necessary, and crucially knew full well that they WERE prepared to sell at the right price, either now or at Christmas.
Get the statement in early, "it wasn't us, we didn't want to sell him, honest".
Logged